Sprng Energy, AMPIN, Juniper, ReNew, Avaada Win NTPC’s 1 GW Hybrid Auction

Biofuels Firm GPS Renewables Raises $50 Million in Debt Financing

Solar Auctions Surge by 229% in Q1 2024, Tender Activity Up 122%

Global Wind Installations Reached 1 TW Milestone in 2023

Funding and M&A Roundup: Nexamp Secures $520 Million

Project Finance Brief: Arevon Secures $352 Million for Posey Solar Project

Indian Oil Issues Empanelment Tender for Solar Power Projects

Southern Railway Seeks Bids for 1.2 MW Rooftop Solar Projects in Chennai

Husk Secures $4 Million from Electrifi to Scale up Mini Grids in Rural India

Doubling Transmission Capacity of Existing Grid Through Reconductoring: Report


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/amazon_polly_55267.mp3?version=1686663968">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Oxford</a> have conducted a study revealing the mechanisms that cause failures in lithium metal solid-state batteries (Li-SSBs). The findings offer a path to overcome these challenges and potentially lead to a transformative improvement in electric vehicle (EV) battery range, safety, and performance.</p>
<p>The team said their research could also have far-reaching implications for electric aviation, propelling the development of electrically powered aircraft.</p>
<p>Li-SSBs differ from conventional batteries by replacing the flammable liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte and utilizing lithium metal as the anode.</p>
<p>The use of solid electrolytes enhances safety, while the incorporation of lithium metal allows for greater energy storage capacity.</p>
<p>However, a critical hurdle Li-SSBs face is the occurrence of short circuits during the charging process caused by the formation of dendrites. The study finds that these filament-like structures composed of lithium metal penetrate the ceramic electrolyte, leading to performance degradation and safety concerns.</p>
<p><strong>Analyzing the Li-SSB</strong> <strong>Failures</strong></p>
<p>As part of a collaborative effort between the University of Oxford&#8217;s Departments of Materials, Chemistry, and Engineering Science, researchers utilized advanced imaging techniques, specifically X-ray computed tomography at Diamond Light Source, to visualize dendrite failure during charging.</p>
<p>The study reveals that dendrite cracks initiate and propagate through distinct underlying mechanisms. Cracks form due to lithium accumulation in sub-surface pores, and further charging increases the pressure until the cracks propagate.</p>
<p>The propagation occurs through a wedge-opening mechanism, with lithium partially filling the crack and driving it open from behind.</p>
<p><strong>Implications for Future Li-SSB Development </strong></p>
<p>The researchers said the newfound understanding of dendrite behavior in Li-SSBs holds viable promise for overcoming technological challenges.</p>
<p>Dominic Melvin, co-lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of balancing pressure within the lithium anode. The study reveals that while pressure is necessary to avoid gaps at the interface with the solid electrolyte during discharge, excessive pressure can be detrimental, increasing the likelihood of dendrite propagation and short-circuiting during charging.</p>
<p>The insights open avenues for refining battery designs and optimizing operating conditions to mitigate dendrite formation and enhance battery performance.</p>
<p>Professor Sir Peter Bruce, a key researcher involved in the study, highlighted the significance of comprehending how a soft metal like lithium can penetrate a dense ceramic electrolyte and hopes that the insights will help the progress of solid-state battery research toward a practical device.</p>
<p>According to a recent report by the Faraday Institution, solid-state batteries have the potential to fulfill substantial portions of global battery demand.</p>
<p>By 2040, they are projected to meet 50% of battery demand in consumer electronics, 30% in transportation, and over 10% in aircraft applications.</p>
<p>Professor Pam Thomas, CEO of the Faraday Institution, emphasized the importance of research initiatives like these, which tackle the mechanistic understanding of solid-state battery failures, as these endeavors pave the way for strategies that cell manufacturers can adopt to avoid such failures and drive advancements in battery technology.</p>
<p>A recent study by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/kit-researchers-battery-passivation-puzzle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> that the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase, which is crucial for the functioning of lithium-ion batteries, occurs through the aggregation of solutions rather than directly at the electrode. The findings offer insights into developing more efficient and long-lasting batteries in the future.</p>
<p>In April this year, Nanyang Technological University NTU Singapore <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/researchers-use-biomass-to-recover-metals-from-battery-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">partnered</a> with Se-cure Waste Management (SWM), a Singapore-based battery recycling and processing firm, to recycle spent lithium-ion batteries using biomass.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Gautamee Hazarika</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Gautamee,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="gautamee@mercomindia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gautamee@mercomindia.com</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn"><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="102" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">Gautamee</a> is a reporter at Mercom India. Prior to Mercom, Gautamee was working as a multimedia news journalist at ThePrint in New Delhi. She has received her Bachelors in English Honors and Masters in English Literature from St.Stephen&#8217;s College, University of Delhi.<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee</a></div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Oxford Researchers Reveal Reasons Behind Solid-State Battery Failures


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/amazon_polly_52629.mp3?version=1681458791">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Surrey</a>, the National Physical Laboratory, and the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University College London</a> have developed a unique layer between the solid-state electrolyte and the lithium metal anode, preventing unwanted electrons from entering the electrolyte and causing issues like losing power or short-circuit.</p>
<p>By altering the internal electron flow of the battery, the researchers addressed the issue of &#8220;lithium dendrite growth.” This problem arises when tiny pieces of lithium metal accumulate in the battery.</p>
<p>The intervention enhances the battery&#8217;s longevity and prevents short circuits.</p>
<p>This breakthrough could enhance the energy storage capacity of batteries, making them suitable for use in electric vehicles and mobile devices.</p>
<p>The complete research paper titled &#8220;Rectifying Interphase for Preventing Li Dendrite Propagation in Solid-State Electrolytes&#8221; has been made available in the Energy &amp; Environmental Science journal.</p>
<p>Xuhui Yao, the lead author of the research paper and affiliated with both the University of Surrey and the National Physical Laboratory, explained that their approach involved the creation of a barrier layer that enables normal battery functioning while at the same time limiting the growth of dendrites and promoting their swift elimination.</p>
<p>Solid-state batteries utilize solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) instead of conventional liquid electrolytes in batteries. SSEs typically comprise ceramics or glass, offering various potential benefits over traditional batteries, such as higher energy density, improved safety by eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes, and longer lifespan.</p>
<p>This technology is believed to be a promising component in the energy mix required to enable the world&#8217;s transition to a net-zero future.</p>
<p>Yunlong Zhao, the project leader from the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey and the National Physical Laboratory, highlighted the need for the scientific community to innovate rapidly to develop energy storage solutions that can facilitate the transition to a net-zero future in the UK and across the globe.</p>
<p>According to Zhao, one of the significant hurdles to overcome is the challenge of meeting the demand for electric vehicles, and this new method could prove solid-state batteries as the optimal technology for this purpose.</p>
<p>In March 2023, researchers at HZB <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/researchers-perovskite-solar-cells-saves-input-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> that solar cells made of metal halide perovskites achieve high efficiencies and can be produced from liquid inks with little energy input.</p>
<p>Researchers at Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom, recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/researchers-find-cost-perovskite-solar-cells-at-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">established</a> a low-cost and scalable carbon ink formulation capable of unlocking the potential for manufacturing perovskite solar cells at scale.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Gautamee Hazarika</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Gautamee,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="gautamee@mercomindia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gautamee@mercomindia.com</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn"><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="102" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">Gautamee</a> is a reporter at Mercom India. Prior to Mercom, Gautamee was working as a multimedia news journalist at ThePrint in New Delhi. She has received her Bachelors in English Honors and Masters in English Literature from St.Stephen&#8217;s College, University of Delhi.<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee</a></div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Researchers Say a Barrier Layer Prevents Lithium Dendrite Growth in Batteries


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/amazon_polly_52467.mp3?version=1681196415">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>A recent study conducted at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (<a href="https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/index_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HZB</a>) has found that solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to provide greater energy densities and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.</p>
<p>However, the results of this study have revealed a significant bottleneck in the development of solid-state batteries. The findings indicate that slow ionic transport in the cathode composites is a major limitation.</p>
<p>Lithium-ion batteries have slow charging and discharging mechanism caused by slow lithium-ion transport within a composite cathode.</p>
<p>The challenge now is to find ways to improve the ion delivery rate within the cathode composite.</p>
<p>The researchers emphasized that without the direct visualization of the reaction front within the cathode composite, this effect would have remained unnoticed despite its importance for the development of solid-state batteries.</p>
<p><strong>Method of Study</strong></p>
<p>To observe the movement of lithium-ions between the anode and cathode in a solid-state lithium-sulfur battery, the researchers designed a specialized cell.</p>
<p>However, detecting lithium using X-ray methods proved challenging.</p>
<p>To overcome this, physicists Robert Bradbury and Ingo Manke used neutron radiography and neutron tomography methods.</p>
<p>These methods are highly sensitive to lithium, allowing for the examination of the sample cell. The research involved collaboration between various groups, from Giessen (JLU), Braunschweig (TUBS), and Jülich (FZJ).</p>
<p>According to Bradbury, the use of neutron radiography allowed for the direct observation of lithium ions, leading to a better understanding of the limitations of the battery&#8217;s performance.</p>
<p>The operando neutron radiography data revealed that the composite cathode had a reaction front of lithium ions propagating through it, confirming that a low effective ionic conductivity had a negative impact on battery performance.</p>
<p>The 3D neutron tomography images also showed trapped lithium concentrated near the current collector during recharging, which reduced the battery&#8217;s capacity as not all the lithium was transported back when charged.</p>
<p>The researchers noted that the observed distribution of lithium in the battery was highly consistent with a model based on the theory of porous electrodes.</p>
<p>They explained that the electronic and ionic conductivity conditions from the model matched well with the data obtained from neutron imaging, indicating the accuracy of the model.</p>
<p>In March 2023, researchers at HZB <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/researchers-perovskite-solar-cells-saves-input-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> that solar cells made of metal halide perovskites achieve high efficiencies and can be produced from liquid inks with little energy input.</p>
<p>Researchers at Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom, recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/researchers-find-cost-perovskite-solar-cells-at-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">established</a> a low-cost and scalable carbon ink formulation capable of unlocking the potential for manufacturing perovskite solar cells at scale.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Gautamee Hazarika</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Gautamee,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="gautamee@mercomindia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gautamee@mercomindia.com</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn"><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="102" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">Gautamee</a> is a reporter at Mercom India. Prior to Mercom, Gautamee was working as a multimedia news journalist at ThePrint in New Delhi. She has received her Bachelors in English Honors and Masters in English Literature from St.Stephen&#8217;s College, University of Delhi.<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee</a></div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Study Says Lithium-Based Batteries Suffer from Sluggish Ionic Movement

<p>Producer of all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles <a href="https://solidpowerbattery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Solid Power</a> and Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation III (DCRC), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), have announced a definitive agreement for a business combination, resulting in Solid Power becoming a publicly listed company.</p>
<p>DCRC is a blank check company formed for effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, or similar business combination with a target of developing a platform that decarbonizes the most carbon-intensive sectors. These include the energy and agriculture, industrials, transportation, and commercial and residential sectors.</p>
<p>DCRC is sponsored by an affiliate of <a href="https://www.riverstonellc.com/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riverstone Holdings LLC</a> and represents a further expansion of Riverstone&#8217;s 15-year franchise in low-carbon investments, having established companies with more than $5 billion of equity invested in renewables. Riverstone has also been a <a href="https://mercomindia.com/solar-company-loanpal-receives-funding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead</a> investor in the $800 million funding round by <a href="https://loanpal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Loanpal</a>, a solar loan origination platform that finances solar systems and batteries.</p>
<p>Upon closing the transaction, the combined company will be named &#8216;Solid Power, Inc.&#8217;, and its common stock and warrants are expected to trade on NASDAQ under the new ticker symbol &#8216;SLDP&#8217; and &#8216;SLDP WS&#8217;, respectively.</p>
<p>Solid Power manufactures its batteries on the company&#8217;s pilot production line, which essentially mirrors lithium-ion manufacturing processes while eliminating certain expensive and timely steps. Solid Power&#8217;s all-solid-state batteries could provide a near 500-mile vehicle range on a single charge, which is 50-75% greater than any commercially available lithium-ion battery today. The safety profile of Solid Power&#8217;s batteries is also improved over traditional lithium-ion because of its all-solid cell architecture.</p>
<p>The merger values Solid Power at an implied $1.2 billion pro forma enterprise value. After closing the merger and assuming no redemptions by DCRC public stockholders, Solid Power is expected to have around $600 million in cash. It includes a $165 million fully committed private investment in public equity transaction anchored by investors Koch Strategic Platforms, Riverstone Energy Limited, Neuberger Berman funds, and Van Eck Associates Corporation. Cash proceeds to Solid Power would be used to fund operations and support Solid Power&#8217;s growth.</p>
<p>The boards of directors of both Solid Power and DCRC have approved the proposed transaction, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to, among other things, the approval by DCRC&#8217;s stockholders and satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions stated in the definitive documentation.</p>
<p>Recently, Solid Power <a href="https://mercomindia.com/funding-and-ma-roundup-solid-power/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> a $130 million Series B investment round led by the BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and Volta Energy Technologies. Ford and the BMW Group have also expanded existing joint development agreements with Solid Power to secure all-solid-state batteries for future electric vehicles.</p>
<p>According to Mercom Capital Group’s latest report <a href="https://mercomcapital.com/product/q1-2021-funding-ma-report-storage-grid-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q1 2021 Funding and M&amp;A Report for Storage, Grid, and Efficiency</a>, announced debt and public market financing for battery storage technologies during the quarter came to $3.7 billion, compared to $2.7 billion in Q4 2020, a 35% increase. Funding increased drastically compared to the same quarter in 2020 when $80 million was raised.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/rahul-nair/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Rahul Nair</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Rahul is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Before entering the world of renewables, Rahul was head of the Gujarat bureau for The Quint. He has also worked for DNA Ahmedabad and Ahmedabad Mirror. Hailing from a banking and finance background, Rahul has also worked for JP Morgan Chase and State Bank of India. <a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rahul-nair/" rel="noopener noreferrer">More articles from Rahul Nair.</a></p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

solid-state-batteries

Get the most relevant India solar and clean energy news.

RECENT POSTS